December 18, 2022 - Rorate Coeli Sermon

Rorate Coeli
Introit: Ps. 19:1, 4-6; antiphon: Is. 45:8a
Gradual: Ps. 145:18, 21
Old Testament: Deut. 18:15-19
Psalm 111 (antiphon: v. 9)
Epistle: Phil. 4:4-7
ProperVerse: Ps.40:17b
Gospel: John 1:19-28
      or Luke 1:39-56

John the Baptizer Points Everyone to the Messiah
The coming of God in all His unveiled power at Mount Sinai was terrifying to the people of Israel. The thundering voice of the Lord puts sinners in fear of death (Deut. 18:15-19). God, therefore, raised up a prophet like Moses-the Messiah, the Christ. God came to His people veiled in human flesh. The skies poured down the Righteous One from heaven; the earth opened her womb and brought forth Salvation (Introit) through the blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:39-56). The fruit of her womb is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the One whose sandal strap John was not worthy to loose (John 1:19-28). In Jesus we are delivered from fear and anxiety. In Him alone we have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:4-7).